Sound check: Jeffrey Gaines brings smoldering soul to Elbo Room
There's got to be some hero in me
Pennsylvania-born musician Jeffrey Gaines took listeners on a foray of self-discovery with his first single, “Hero In Me,” a deeply yearning plea to bust out of one's insecurities and fears. But it was his smoldering cover of Peter Gabriel's “In Your Eyes” that started the artist toward national acclaim. Gaines' soulful pop burns low and slow, captivating crowds with a simmering, playful energy at his intimate performances. Get up close when he plays the cocktail lounge at Elbo Room next week with songs from “Alright,” his first studio album in nearly 15 years. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Elbo Room (cocktail lounge), 2871 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $12-$15. (773) 549-5549 or elboroomlive.com.
Back in time
Take a trip back in time (even just the recent past) at Penny Road Pub this weekend. Rock, roll, twist and shot as The Throwbacks set things off with their punk-infused takes on '50s and '60s hits. Killing Me Smalls follows up with alternative and rock favorites of the '90s. The Double 00's brings the best of the previous decade to the stage. Get a dose of nostalgia from some great Chicago-area musicians. 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at Penny Road Pub, 545 Penny Road, Barrington. $8. (847) 428-0562 or pennyroadpub.com.
Charitable rock
Modern Day Romeos brings its high-energy rock to the 16th Annual Rockin' for a Cure at Durty Nellie's next week. The event, hosted by the Dads' Chapter of the Northfield-based Leukemia Research Foundation, will also feature food, raffles and more presided over by WGN-AM Chicago's Brian Noonan. Donations will also be accepted at allbloodcancers.org/dads-chapter/. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $25 per person, $20 per person for groups of 10 or more. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com.
<i> Brian Shamie is a Daily Herald multiplatform editor and local music junkie. Find him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter (@thatshamieguy) or Instagram (@chicagosoundcheck). Brian also keeps tabs on the Chicago-area music scene at chicagosoundcheck.com.</i>